Ghana's High Commission warns citizens in South Africa to avoid September 30 protests

Pinned summary · as of 15:27

Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria issued a public advisory on September 29 warning Ghanaians in South Africa to avoid protests scheduled for the following day. The demonstrations, organised by the March and March movement and allied groups opposed to undocumented migration, were expected to disrupt major cities including those in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

What we know

• The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria issued an advisory to Ghanaian nationals on September 29, 2026, ahead of protests planned for September 30 by anti-immigration groups.
• The High Commission advised Ghanaians to avoid all demonstrations and protest gatherings, to refrain from confrontations over immigration, and to steer clear of areas where large crowds might gather such as transport hubs and busy intersections.
• The High Commission urged Ghanaians to reduce unnecessary journeys on September 30, particularly near city centres in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, and to be prepared for possible road blockages and public transport disruptions.
• The High Commission advised Ghanaians to keep their documents valid and accessible, maintain charged mobile phones for contact with family and community, and ensure they have medication and food supplies.
• The High Commission called on Ghanaians to cooperate with South African police and security agencies and to rely only on official sources for information rather than unverified social media posts.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  Citi Newsroom reported that the March and March movement set September 30 as a date for undocumented migrants to depart South Africa; other reports do not confirm this detail.
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  Citi Newsroom said South African police warned demonstration participants to remain lawful; no other source has confirmed this statement from police.

Why it matters for Ghana

Hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians live and work in South Africa, many in cities like Johannesburg and Durban. Disruptions to transport, road closures and security incidents during large protests can affect their ability to reach workplaces, access shops and services, and move safely through the cities where they live. Families in Ghana with relatives in South Africa would also be concerned about their safety during civil unrest.